Meghan and her husband Prince Harry shook the royal institution to the core when they announced they would be stepping back from the Royal Family and going financially independent earlier this month. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have frequently cited their struggles with life in the public eye over the last two years. In their initial public statement, the couple explained that this is one of the reasons behind their sudden decision. The Queen also acknowledged how the two have not coped well with the public pressure. 

In her statement explaining how Harry and Meghan’s status will soon be changing, she wrote: “I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”

Meghan herself has admitted that she was not prepared for the amount of attention she received after marrying Harry either.

Yet, in an article published in Town & Country magazine in April 2018 – a month before Meghan’s lavish wedding – the future royal received some advice from an American who also married into British aristocracy. 

Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, is married to the Earl of Sandwich’s heir and lives in the “finest Manor House in England” with her family.

Discussing the difficulties Meghan may face entering the Royal Family, Lady Montagu said: “I suspect she will face some [criticism]. It’s like anything in life. We are outsiders coming in and some people don’t like outsiders.

“I have heard through the various English aristocracy grape vines that I’m the Scarlet Letter ‘A’, the American with it emblazoned on my forehead.

“There is still this view, and it’s a minority view, that members of the aristocracy should be marrying other English roses.”

Town & Country interviewer Caroline Hallemann commented: “The judgement doesn’t bother Montagu, and she thinks it shouldn’t worry Markle.

“In fact, Montagu hopes the future royal embraces her Americanness.”

Lady Montagu said: “I think my biggest advice to her is definitely to keep your American roots. 

“I’m sure that one of the main draws Prince Harry had to Meghan was her energy and her optimism, and that American can-do attitude because I know that’s what my husband says about me.”

Back before she became royalty, Meghan was interviewed by Vanity Fair in 2016 and explained her initial, more relaxed reaction to fame, which appeared to coincide with Lady Montagu’s advice.

The future Duchess of Sussex said: “It has its challenges and it comes in waves – some days, it can feel more challenging that others.

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“And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed.

“But I still have this support system all around me, and of course, my boyfriend’s support.

“I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple.

“We’re two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception. Nothing about me changed.”

She added: “I don’t read any press. I haven’t even read press for Suits. The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise.”

Lady Montagu continued: “It’s kind of the American way. We were told that you can be anything you want to be and anything that you want to do, and it’s not so much in the UK.”

However, in October last year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released an ITV documentary, ‘Harry and Meghan: An African Journey’ which showed how Meghan’s attitude had altered.

During a confessional documentary interview, Meghan admitted she felt like she was “existing not living” due to the pressures of public life.

She and Harry have since moved out to Canada, as they begin their new lives outside of the monarchy. 

While it is not known exactly where they intend to live, Meghan and Harry will be spending the majority of their time in North America. 

Commentators have speculated that they may continue to live in the public eye by turning their brand Sussex Royal into a commercial venture.

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